Service Learning Rationale Statement:Service learning is a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility and strengthen community. It provides opportunities to engage in problem-solving by requiring students to gain knowledge of the specific context of their service-learning activity and community challenge; and participate in critical reflective thinking. Suggested Grade level:9-12. Topics Covered:
community demographics
community resources
problem solving
evaluation tools
Indicator #1. Analyze components of service learning
Bloom's Taxonomy Level
Standards and Examples
Knowledge
SL 1.1 Describe community demographics. For example:
Create a “community portrait” collage depicting community
characteristics.
Survey community members regarding local needs.
Comprehension/ Analysis
SL 1.2Examine local issues and their connection to state and national issues. For example:
Chart or brainstorm community issues.
Research possible solutions and underlying causes.
Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast local issues to similar state and national issues.
Analysis
SL 1.3Investigate community resources which could be used to solve community needs or problems. For example:
Develop a chart of local resources.
Analyze resources which could be used to solve the problem or need, using a T chart or Venn diagram.
Indicator #2.Students will develop service learning skills.
Synthesis
SL 2.1 Apply the problem solving process. For example:
Create a plan to illustrate the problem solving process.
Schedule work.
Prioritize tasks, budget time and money.
Assign group members responsibilities.
Use the problem solving process in a scenarioor real-life issue.
Application
SL 2.2 Demonstrate collaboration with community groups. For example:
Work in partnership with community groups.
Have a panel discussion with community leaders.
Interview members of community organizations.
Sponsor a fair of community organizations.
Analysis
SL 2.3 Analyze the cost and benefits of projected plan For example:
Use Excel to create a chart which categorizes the costs and benefits of the projected plan.
Use a budgeting program to evaluate the plan.
Evaluation
SL 2.4 Implement evaluation tools. For example:
Use a rating scale to evaluate the project.
Compare and contrast different types of evaluation devices.
Analysis
SL 2.5 Analyze your personal experience of service learning. For example:
Write a reflection paper regarding the process and plan.
Summarize the steps taken to solve the problem.
Indicator #3.Explain the rationale of service learning.
Evaluation
SL 3.1 Justify the use of resources. For example:
Assess the use of resources ,time and money through class discussion, or personal journals.
Chart the contributions of paid and volunteer hours of labor, compare and contrast.
Comprehension
SL 3.2 Discuss the impact of diversity. For example:
Brainstorm contributions of group members.
Compare and contrast the differences in beliefs among participants and the community.
Indicator #4.Analyze the purpose of celebration and future planning.
Application
SL 4.1 Demonstrate the recognition process. For example:
Rationale Statement: Service learning is a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility and strengthen community. It provides opportunities to engage in problem-solving by requiring students to gain knowledge of the specific context of their service-learning activity and community challenge; and participate in critical reflective thinking.
Suggested Grade level: 9-12.
Topics Covered:
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Resources:
"Planning Tool Kit: A Guide for Creating Effective Service Projects" available at http://www.ysa.org/nysd
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/general/educate/svclearn.pdf
http://www.learnandserve.org/about/service_learning/index.asp
http://www.learningindeed.org/tools/glance.html
http://www.txcsl.org/about_sl.php- Texas Center for Service Learning -
http://www.augsburg.edu/education/s-l/resources.html- many resources for service learning from schools and agencies in Minnesota
http://www.servicelearning.org/
http://www.service-learningpartnership.org